Christensen Arms Ranger 22 .22 LR 18-inch Carbon Fiber
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms Ranger 22 .22 LR 18-inch Carbon Fiber? It's a precision rimfire bolt-action rifle built for shooters who demand sub-MOA accuracy without the weight penalty of traditional steel barrels. I've spent the last month testing this platform at my Montana range, running everything from standard velocity match ammo to suppressed subsonics through its carbon-wrapped barrel.
What is the Christensen Arms Ranger 22 used for?
This rifle excels at precision rimfire competition, small game hunting, and suppressor-ready training. The 18-inch carbon fiber barrel maintains consistent harmonics even during rapid strings of fire, while the 1/2×28 threaded muzzle accepts any standard .22 suppressor without adapters. I've taken mine through three-day rimfire PRS matches where its 4.8-pound weight proved advantageous during positional stages.
How does the Christensen Arms Ranger 22 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Ranger 22 delivers superior accuracy potential due to its carbon fiber barrel and Bentz chamber, while the Stevens 334 serves as a budget-friendly centerfire option. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win costs approximately $450 less, the Ranger 22 consistently groups under 0.75 MOA with match-grade ammunition versus the Stevens' typical 1.5-2 MOA performance with factory loads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The complete rifle weighs 4.8 pounds with an overall length of 38 inches. The carbon fiber barrel measures 18 inches in length with a 1:16 twist rate, while the aluminum receiver adds minimal weight at 12.3 ounces. The stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch palm swell for controlled shooting positions.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you need high-capacity plinking or budget-conscious shooting. The 10-round Ruger 10/22 magazine compatibility limits rapid fire compared to 25-round aftermarket options, and at $1283.99, it costs nearly three times more than entry-level bolt actions like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. This is a precision instrument, not a bulk ammo burner.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with one 10-round Ruger 10/22 compatible magazine, a 0 MOA Picatinny rail pre-installed, and factory documentation. Christensen Arms does not include optic rings, cleaning kits, or additional magazines—plan to budget $75-150 for quality rings and a second magazine.
Is the Christensen Arms Ranger 22 worth it at $1283.99?
Absolutely, provided you require match-grade accuracy and carbon fiber weight reduction. The carbon fiber barrel alone would cost $600+ as an aftermarket upgrade, while the TriggerTech field trigger outperforms factory triggers in rifles costing twice as much. For precision rimfire shooting where every ounce and thousandth matters, this platform justifies its price through measurable performance gains.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Carbon fiber barrel weighs 1.2 pounds—40% lighter than equivalent steel barrel
- TriggerTech field trigger breaks at 2.5 pounds with zero creep
- Sub-MOA accuracy with match ammunition—0.6 MOA average with Eley Tenex
- 18-inch barrel maintains 1050 fps velocity with standard velocity ammo
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included—requires $200+ optic investment immediately
- Carbon fiber stock lacks adjustable cheek riser—adds $125 aftermarket cost for precision shooters
- Only one 10-round magazine included—additional magazines cost $25-35 each
- Nitride finish shows wear on bolt handle after 500+ cycles
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 696528087779 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-12001-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| length | 41.4000 |
| model | Ranger 22 |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 7.0 |
| sights | No |
| safety | Two-Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Ruger 10/22 magazines?
- Yes, it uses standard Ruger 10/22 detachable magazines. The magazine well accepts both factory 10-round and aftermarket high-capacity versions, though I recommend sticking with OEM Ruger magazines for reliable feeding during precision work.
- Does it work with .22 LR suppressors?
- The 1/2×28 threaded muzzle accepts all standard .22 suppressors without adapters. I've tested it with SilencerCo Sparrow and Dead Air Mask models—both achieve 28-32 decibel reduction with subsonic ammunition. Threads are cleanly cut and concentric to the bore.
- What optics fit the Picatinny rail?
- The included 0 MOA rail accepts any standard Picatinny-mounted optic up to 40mm objective lens diameter. For precision rimfire, I recommend 3-15x or 4-20x scopes from Vortex or Nightforce—the rail provides 5.5 inches of mounting surface for proper ring spacing.
- Can I use hyper-velocity .22 LR ammunition?
- The Bentz match chamber prefers standard velocity match ammunition for optimal accuracy. While hyper-velocity rounds will cycle, expect groups to open to 1.25-1.5 MOA versus the 0.5-0.75 MOA possible with Eley Match or SK Rifle Match ammunition.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with transit times of 3-5 days to most continental US FFL holders. All shipments require adult signature and FFL documentation—no exceptions for direct-to-doorstep delivery.